The effects of the air velocity on the performance of the pad evaporative cooling systems

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship among velocity of the air passing through the pad, obtained decrease at the temperature of the air passing the pad and cooling efficiency at cellulose based evaporative cooling pad and to be helpful to the people who design and operate these systems. In the study, cellulose based evaporative cooling pad (CELdek R 7060-15, Munters AB, Kista, Sweden) was used. Tests were completed at 2 periods. Air velocities were determined as 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ms-1 at the first period, as 0.75, 1.25 and 1.75 ms-1 at the second period. Water flow rate at the air velocities chosen for both of the periods was chosen as 4 Lmin-1m-2. As a result of the research it was determined that, it is not possible to make a mathematical connection among velocity of the air passing through the pad, obtained decrease at the temperature of the air passing the pad and cooling efficiency. But it can be said that the most appropriate air velocity for the pad used in the test should be higher than 0.5 ms-1, lower than 1.5 ms-1.   Key words: Pad evaporative cooling, air velocity